BANGKOK, THAILAND, August 17, 2015 (CNN): A bomb explosion that near a popular Hindu shrine in central Bangkok killed at least 18 people Monday and injured 117 more, according to a hospital in the Thai capital. Twelve victims died at the scene, and six others died later at the Erawan Medical Emergency Center, officials said. Foreigners are among the injured, said Maj Gen. Weerachon Sukhontapatipak, a Thai government spokesman. He had no specifics, but national police Chief Somyot Pumpanmuang said on state TV that Chinese tourists who had traveled to Thailand from the Philippines had been killed. It’s too early to say who orchestrated the attack, Somyot said.
The Bangkok Post reported the bomb, which detonated just after 7 p.m., was fastened to a utility pole in front of the Erawan Shrine. Though Buddhism is the predominant religion in Thailand, there are many Hindu shrines in Bangkok, and the Erawan Shrine is the best known among them. Streams of people pay respects at the shrine from early morning until late at night. Thais and foreign visitors make ceremonial offerings, ranging from floral garlands and fruits to teakwood elephants in the hope their wishes will be fulfilled.
The shrine houses a golden statue of Phra Phrom, the Thai representation of Brahma, the Hindu God of creation. Thousands of worshipers visit the site each day, praying for everything from good health to sports results. They light incense sticks and wai (bow slightly with palms pressed together) to each of the four faces of the statue. For extra luck, worshipers pay respect and money to the shrine’s Thai dancers.